Update: We’d like to thank everyone who attended this seminar. Alhamdulillah, it was a great class, filled with many enlightening notes and anecdotes. We look forward to seeing you at our next class, The Prophet’s Smile!

The Conqueror’s Perspective

Stories are often told from the perspective of the conqueror: Ancient maps depicting exaggerated sizes of the European continent; stories told from a Euro-centric perspective; significant chunks in timelines distorted or removed entirely to cover up empowering truths.

The time is long overdue for the Muslim Ummah to reclaim its story…

Africa is a treasure cove embedded with scholarly tribes and ilm-powered cities.

Expand your knowledge on:

• The roots of Africa and its name

• Africa’s first encounter with Islam

• The role of Africans as Sahabah

• The extensive advancements of Islamic scholarship as result of African schools.

• The importance and history of major cities like Timbuktu and Qayrawaan

• African Heroes who saw to it that Islam remains upon the Quran and Sunnah

• The various movements and eras Africa witnessed among the Muslims

.:Increase Your Knowledge:.

ENROLL TODAY!

“In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety-Two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue…”

…and conventional wisdom, as taught to us in our childhoods, tells us that America was discovered with his expedition.

For most of the twentieth century, this “conventional wisdom” went unchallenged.  But in his years of research, Dr. Jerald Dirks – a former Harvard Divinity School Minister turned Muslim Comparative Religion scholar – began to see the “Age of Exploration” in a new light.  His research and the analysis he brings forth in Muslims in American History: A Forgotten Legacy, goes into some of the historical evidence that contemporary researchers have discovered with regards to the sizable Muslim contributions to the New World, prior to Columbus’s voyage across the Atlantic.  His book is nicely written (read: easy to read) and highly annotated by the research that others of have contributed into this field of study, including a plethora of references to Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick’s book, Deeper Roots: Muslims in the Americas and the Caribbean from before Columbus to the Present.  Dirks, himself a meticulous master of research methodology, confronts the prevalent myth that Islam in America is a relatively recent phenomenon.  “In reality,” he asserts, “there is a centuries-long history of the Muslim presence in America.”

The book is divided into logical sections that delineate an ongoing Muslim presence in America since about the mid-12^th century and before.  His chapters include sections on “The Pre-Columbian Era” which touches on various groups of Muslims in America prior to Columbus.  This section is deeply insightful and quite thorough, with stories of Muslims from Andalusia, the Ottoman Empire and Muslim Africa.  He then continues to define some of the “European” explorers who may have actually been Muslims, although are not credited as such (an example would be the Moriscos of Spain).  Then, he confronts the harsh realities of the genocide of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and even discusses African-based Native American tribes in the Americas (the ethnically-mysterious Melungeons are given a chapter to themselves in this book).  Finally, Dr. Dirks discusses the contemporary role that Islam plays in shaping the American culture and context, taking into consideration everything from Islamic rituals among non-Muslim African Americans to the waves of Immigrant Muslims to America in the last half of the last century.

What is most impressive about Dirk’s book is that in the past there have been individual scholars who have addressed the issue of pre-Columbian explorers to the New World (including Sylviane Diouf, Abdullah Hakim Quick and others), but Dirks compiles the various research that has been done up to date into one volume.   At times, there does seem to be quite a bit of “circumstantial” evidence, as opposed to hard evidence, but Dirks’ premise is that the circumstantial evidence is simply too much to ignore.  For me, one of the most compelling “evidence” for a continued Muslim presence in the New World were the numerous references to world maps that were created by Muslims in the early 16^th century, showing details such as the Andes Mountain range and South American rivers.

At the end of the day, what is the real value of such a book (or even such a class)?  Aside from challenging conventional wisdom and the “status quo”, Muslims in American History: A Forgotten Legacy depicts a part of our own tradition that has been overlooked, and indeed re-written, over the centuries.  In order for us to understand where we, as an American-Muslim Ummah are going, we need to clearly understand where we come from – and the struggles of those in this land before us.  The book is peppered with personal biographies and stories of individuals that contributed to the exploration and advancement of the Western world.  For anyone who is interested in truly realizing the wisdom of Ali’s (radhiAllahu anhu) statement, “A man who knows history has added ages (wisdom) to his age”, this is a must-read.

Dr. Dirk’s own personal history is as intriguing as some of the facts that are presented in this book – his personal journey to become a Christian theologian and minister led him to accept Islam as the true calling of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).  Yet – perhaps it is most fitting that Allah chose a religious Christian American who thought he was rejecting his American roots by becoming a Muslim to tell the story of how Islam may be just as integral to American history as “American Pie.”

With the upcoming seminar in April: Precious Provisions, I thought I’d share a few thoughts.  While the seminar will focus on the fiqh of food and clothing, I think it is worth our time to consider the provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us that go beyond just those two areas.  The word “beyond” is a bit of a misnomer in that my points are more for the individual to look closer to home.

We all know that if we were to try and count the blessings of Allah, we would not be able to.  Allahu akbar.  But that does not mean we are not obligated to at least remember and acknowledge the blessings that are right before us.  Even as a simple du’a or saying “alhamdulillah”, gratitude towards Allah is still recognized and recorded.  The fingers I am typing with, the eyes that I am viewing this text with, my lungs and my ability to breathe freely.  These obvious blessings go unnoticed every day.

The Global Deaf Muslims event at ADAMS has really put things into perspective for those of us that have our sense of hearing.  Subhanallah, how beautiful is the Qur’an as it is recited?  Even the Prophet Muhammad (saw) would ask his companions to recite so that he could hear the beautiful words of Allah.  There is an inherent and inexplicable effect on the heart from hearing the Qur’an.  It is a profound thing when a Muslim cannot hear.  They never hear the adhan, the Qur’an, nothing.  Yet they stand next to us in prayer, they are still the most righteous among us, and their emaan is immensely strong.

I remember this past November I was performing tawaaf and noticed a fairly large hole in the crowd.  In the middle was a man missing his right leg from the thigh down.  He was on crutches, but I could see sweat and determination on his face.  This image is etched into my memory forever.  The brother, despite his setback, pushed himself in ‘ibada to Allah.  It really put me to shame for not being more grateful about the simplest things I had, down to my feet and toes.  It was a swelling of emotion, seeing that.  Ah to see…

Again in Mecca, a brother told me of how he saw a man leading an elderly brother into the haram, right up to the ka’ba.  The old man was completely blind, yet he wept because he knew where he was.  How many of us would trade our ability to see for any amount of wealth or power in the world?  The single blessing of sight is such a constant mercy of Allah, and it is free.  Allah asks nothing in return for it, yet it is heavier on the scale than any number of good deeds we could accumulate in a lifetime.

I urge everyone to take some time to look inward, notice and understand the provisions that Allah has given to you from birth.  To understand them and appreciate them is to imagine living without them.  Take a moment to remember the blind man who can never read the Qur’an or see the Ka’bah.  Remember the deaf brother who can never hear the adhan or the recitation of the Qur’an or even a simple greeting of peace.  Remember the brother missing his leg performing tawaaf the next time you go for a walk or a run or even get out of bed.  Now remember that you have all of the things that these fellow muslims do not have, subhanallah.

I promise, you will find a whole new dimension in your salah when you are suddenly very aware of all the limbs that allow you to perform sujood and to stand back up before Allah… and to understand that it is Allah that has given them to you and continues to allow you to use them.  Please take the time to reflect on what Allah has blessed you with already.  I think it will give us all a great perspective, and will make us much more appreciative of the many things Sheikh Yasir Qadhi will be teaching us come April inshaAllah.

Any good from what I have written is from Allah because He is the source of all that is good.  Anything bad that I have written or communicated is from my own faults and I ask forgiveness for them.

And Allah knows best.

“Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” [Saheeh Muslim]

The first meaning of path is a path that one walks on, such as when people leave their home to any location to gain knowledge.  The specific destination does not restrict the meaning.  Thus, the meaning includes a person traveling to a masjid, school, university, or any other location where knowledge is being dispensed. This meaning also includes a student of knowledge traveling from his city to another city to seek knowledge as the first meaning includes anyone literally ‘treading’ a path (stepping the steps on a path) towards knowledge.

A secondary meaning of path is defined as a process by which an individual seeks knowledge from scholars and books. Therefore, treading a path is not contingent on the actual movement of an individual-for example, one who investigates rulings without leaving his city or attends classes with scholars is indeed treading a path in search of knowledge according to this definition.

In summary, “treading on a path” is categorized into two primary definitions:
a)      Physically walking upon a path.
b)      Intention to connect oneself to knowledge, irrespective of ones physical state.

Whosoever treads this path, Allah subhana wa ta’ala facilitates for him a path to Paradise.   This is due to the significance placed on learning knowledge of the Shariah (Islamic Law), which enables an individual to understand the rulings that Allah has sent down. With this type of knowledge, both prohibitions and commands can be understood in there proper light, identifying the path that pleases Allah, and connect oneself with Paradise.  This connection will manifest itself in the obedience of Allah in ones life, and every time the desire for treading on the path increases, so too will ones connection with Paradise.

In this hadith, describing the fruits of the path to gaining knowledge, we learn that it is critical to take advantage of the opportunity to seek knowledge, specifically in times of our lives when we may be free from other difficulties. If the goal is to tread a path to your Lord by seeking knowledge, the efficient student would take heed before the obstacles of life litter his path (and distance his goal).

Touched By An Angel Promo Video

Online Website Resources

Online English Audio Lectures

Advising a Muslim of His Faults

If a Muslim sees a shortcoming in another Muslim’s deen, then he should not point him out in public in front of others and make apparent to other’s his shortcoming(s). This is not the correct etiquette in dealing with one’s brother in deen and giving him advice. The Muslims are suppose to try and increase love and harmony between each other but such attitudes only cause disharmony and enmity between Muslims in the community. Rather, it is a way of putting one’s brother or sister down in front of others and degrading them from respect and labeling them with bad attributes. This hurts the honor and position of a Muslim in the community and in particular in front of those Muslims amongst whom he is ridiculed. And the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said when asked which believer in Islam is most excellent that, “One from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe” (Muslim). When finding faults in other Muslims, a Muslim should keep some of the following points (amongst others) in mind:

Be aware of the differences of opinion – It is well known that the scholars of Islam differed on many issues of the deen, which resulted in many differences of opinion among them. It may be that the brother/sister follows an opinion that views that action as permissible. Or maybe he follows the opinion that the action is not obligatory but rather just recommended. So the Muslim should think about this before trying to criticize his brothers and sisters. And he should research thoroughly to make sure there are not any other valid opinions on this matter before opening one’s mouth.

Ignorance of the ruling – It may be that he/she is ignorant of the ruling that it is prohibited. It may be that the knowledge and the evidence regarding that particular action being prohibited never reached the individual. So, rather than openly criticizing other Muslims, one should take the possibility that his brother in the deen may be ignorant of the ruling, which is a valid excuse.

Weakness in one’s faith – It may be that that brother or sister is just weak in faith. And it may be that he/she is under certain circumstances, problems, concerns, etc. which one may not be aware of. We are not in their shoes and are not aware of the circumstances in their lives and why they are choosing to do a certain prohibited action. It may be that he/she feels bad in their heart but are not currently able to leave that prohibition either due to weak faith, certain circumstances, problems, and other possible scenarios. So a Muslim should always give his brother or sister the benefit of doubt before judging them.

Advise with wisdom – If a Muslim really feels that he would like to give advice to his brother or sister regarding a prohibited action, then it should be done with wisdom. He should not call him out in front of others and put them on the spot. Rather, there are certain etiquettes in prohibiting evil in others. Of these etiquettes is that you take him to a separate location and talk to him in secret and advise him with love, care, and kindness. It is not appropriate to point people out in public with regards to their faults and is usually only done by the ignorant. The people of knowledge do not do this nor do they advise others to do so. Rather, they take people to the side and advise them in privacy or advise in a general manner to everyone not specifying who they are referring to. Because this is the proper etiquette when advising your brothers and sisters in Islam. Another etiquette is that you advise them at appropriate times and places. A Muslim should look for the appropriate time and place to advise his brother. For example, it is not appropriate to advise them when they are in a hurry to leave your company due to an important matter. So, the point here is that it should be done with wisdom and a Muslim should try to seek the appropriate manner, time, and place to advise his brother in Islam.

And Allah Knows Best.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said in a well-known hadeeth, “A person will be with whom he loves.” [Bukhari] Companionship, as we learn from the Qur’an, can help one attain success in the hereafter or bring them great loss.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam stated that loving for the sake of Allah is one of the three ingredients needed for the slave to taste the sweetness of emaan [Bukhari], showing us the elevated status and the magnitude of the blessing of loving for the sake of Allah Alone. This bond of the believers is so strong that Allah declares friendship on the Day of Judgment will only be for the Muttaqoon. [Surah Zukhruf]

On the other hand, Allah gives the example of a person who took an evil companion in the dunya and will cry with regret on the Day of Judgment. [Surah Furqan]

In this talk  which was given a few months ago at MCC (Muslim Community Center) in Maryland (and was recorded by a special Nurayn “pearl” :) ), Br Nouman discusses in detail the types of friendship found in the Qur’an and the importance of company.

Listen and download it here – jazakum Allahu khayran to HalalTube for posting it for Qabeelat Nurayn.

May Allah grant us righteous companionship and allow us to be in the company of His Prophet and the believers on the Day of Judgment.

On the splendid occasion of young Maryam and Ali’s memorization and reading of the 30th chapter of the Glorious Quran, their parents would be honoured with your presence at Masjid Al Muminoon this Friday at 8 pm, insha Allah.

On Friday, eight-year-old twins Maryam and Ali will have one of the most splendid experiences of their lives.  She’ll get to wear that pretty princess dress Mama bought for her.  She’ll have flowers in her hair, and ice cream cake on her plate.  He’ll look like an Arabian prince in white thowb and shiny shoes.  They’ll play with the balloons and laugh with their friends.  Abu says that it is reward for a job well done, masha Allah.  The siblings did work hard, but the time invested and constant repetition was so worth it.  Best of all, Maryam feels that she is a good Muslim girl and Ali feels like he is a good Muslim boy and Allah will give them great reward!

Fast forward a decade or two:  Maryam and Ali wonder where the excitement of that night so long ago has gone?  They know the surahs still, constantly repeat them (especially the shorter ones) in their prayers, but it’s an exercise in automation.  Each of them wants desperately to reconnect with their inner para party child.  They want to live it once again.   But they aren’t eight year olds anymore.

They need the grown up version of a Quran Party.

Maryam and Ali need to be touched by an angel.

The Seminar that Launched it All

It’s time to Open the Vault
on the Classic

Touched By An Angel
Tafseer Juz’ Amma

Shaykh Shpendim Nadzaku

NEW Location:
National 4H Youth Conference Center
7100 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Dates: January 8-10 and 15-17

ENROLL NOW!

We welcome you to an unforgettable event, a weekend etched unto the pages of history as a revolutionary gathering that revitalized your eman and gave your soul a rush, inshaAllah. IlmFest 2009 is proudly hosted by Qabeelat Nurayn in Baltimore, MD.

Prepare yourself to experience a life-changing event that will leave you in tears and make you refocus your life so you can taste the sweetness of your Islam and eman, insha’Allah! Walk away with endless of lessons helping you change your life to help spread this deen and live it to the fullest.

Sit and learn from the some of the greatest scholars, thinkers and intellectuals of our age. You’ll leave the weekend with priceless ilm, lessons, ideas that you can practically apply in your life and share with your communities. Absorb knowledge that will equip you to spread the light of Islam to the best of your ability, learn the facts and the history that will demonstrate Islam is for all ages and times, and increase your understanding so you can effectively relay the message that Islam is timeless!”

Click here for more information.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explains Ilmfest

Baba Ali will be at Ilmfest 2009